What is Rotomolding?

Rotomolding, or rotational molding, is a manufacturing process for molding a wide variety of hollow-centric items made from plastic. The process was first used in the 1950s and has since been enhanced. Rotomolding can be used to make parts of all sizes with varying wall thicknesses for various applications. At Elkhart Plastics, we mold parts big and small for more than 20 different industries.

Rotomolding is an incredibly diverse manufacturing method. A few examples of products we make include a wide variety of tanks, marine and RV furniture, coolers, bins and refuse containers, docks, and pallets.

Convert to Rotomolding

Products currently made from fiberglass, metals, and other materials are often easily converted to rotomolding to improve throughput, save money, and enhance aesthetics. In fact, Elkhart Plastics helped pontoon boat manufacturers convert from wood furniture to plastic in the 1990s, and plastic furniture remains the standard.

During the Design & Engineering process, the Elkhart Plastics’ team will select the best material for your application, making it possible to use rotomolding to make a variety of products that meet FDA requirements, withstand severe weather, are flame retardant, and/or can handle storage of strong chemicals and other materials. Additionally, there are a number of details that can be integrated into designs for rotomolding. Examples include, but are not limited to inserts, graphics, handles, threads, and fine-surface details.

Advantages of Rototational Molding

There are numerous reasons rotomold is preferred over alternative plastic manufacturing methods.

Lower Production & Material Costs

A product that may need several pieces with a different manufacturing method can often be rotomolded as one part. Many customers who convert to rotational molding find their costs significantly lower due to reduced material and labor requirements.

Shorter Lead Times

Elkhart Plastics manufactures hundreds of parts per day. Rotomolding offers a level of speed and efficiency that allows you to significantly increase production with decreased lead times. With this process, you can meet demand and maintain inventory.

Faster Mold Production

Tooling for rotomolding can be produced in a short amount of time compared to other molding processes. This means we start making your parts faster regardless of whether your product is brand new, being converted from a different process, or has historically been rotomolded.

Less Waste, Environmentally-friendly

Compared to other plastic manufacturing processes, there is generally less waste in rotomolding. Waste that is generated through scrap and product testing can be recycled, contributing to lower costs. Plus, no toxic or hazardous materials are emitted during production.

Design Versatility

With rotomolding, we can design products in a variety of shapes and sizes, allowing you to offer a wider range of products to your customers. This is not necessarily the case with other processes. Additionally, rotomolding allows for metal insert capability, color separation, and mold decorations. We can manufacture unique parts with several features.

Higher Quality, Efficiency

Rotomolding technology allows for quality surface finish including high-gloss and smooth surfaces. Additionally, rotomolded plastic parts are also much lighter than other materials. This means you can optimize the efficiency of your operations with reduced heavy lifting.